Zanzibar: reviews from our travellers

"An amazing trip that couldn't/wouldn't have happened without Liz and James at Expert Africa. He captured exactly what we wanted to do and made that possible in this trip. Fantastic people that we met whilst out there and definitely want to return!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Perhaps relook at Tembo hotel as I don't think it matched the quality that you seem to offer!

Give James Denny a pay rise!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"From the moment of my first contact with Expert Africa (late one night - and I got straight through to Maruska in the New Zealand office!) I had nothing but praise for the friendly professionalism that guided us through the planning of our special family holiday to Tanzania. Expert Africa had been recommended to us by friends who had been on several safaris (the first ones with other companies) and we were delighted with the service provided. Having established the hopes of our group for the trip, Maruska helped me through planning the details with clear explanations about the pros and cons of any choices and the range of options available. Maruska's responsiveness as I articulated various preferences of the group was marvellous and the recommendation, quite late on, of spending our last 3 nights on Chumbe Island was inspired.

The actual trip went like clockwork. Every detail had been planned for and was delivered brilliantly All the fights and transfers worked smoothly and everywhere we went we were expected and welcomed. All the accommodation was just right - and just as we expected. Above all, we had the most brilliant driver/guide on our week-long safari. We were delighted to be with Asilia, a well regarded Tanzanian company with excellent credentials and our assigned guide, Stanford, was absolutely fantastic. He was calm, considerate, efficient and good humoured, but beyond that he was incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, flexible and humourous. And he worked so hard! He undertook the duties of driving, guiding, communicating in excellent English and responding to any requests with a calm composure that ensured we had the most wonderful experience. We would like to put on record our enormous gratitude for this - and to thank Expert Africa and Asilia for assigning him to us!

The safari was very special and we loved the camps. I worried a few times before we left the UK whether 7 days on safari might seem like too much of a good thing but I needn't have worried. Stanford's skill enabled us to learn more and more about animal behaviour as the week went by and we were as interested on the morning of day 8, en route to the airstrip and our flight to Zanzibar, as were were on day 1 when, after a night flight, we set off at lunchtime for Arusha National Park. Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti built brilliantly on this start

Finishing our holiday in Zanzibar was also wonderful. The tropical beaches were gorgeous and the relaxed vibe was enjoyed by all 7 of us. And the final three days on Chumbe - absolutely magical! The entire trip surpassed our (always high!) expectations and it will remain a very special experience for our family. We just wished we could have spent more time everywhere!

Thank you Expert Africa, with special thanks to Maruska - and to Liz who picked up a few queries right at the end. We have already recommended you to friends and hope one day to travel through Africa under your expert guidance again." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Couldn't fault anything.

The reason I have used Expert Africa before and will continue to do so in future is because the staff properly listen to requests , are very knowledgeable and therefore give good suggestions and advice. Very efficient too." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Our trip was everything we had hoped for and more. We wanted an exceptional holiday to celebrate various milestone birthdays in our family and to enjoy possibly our last family holiday (eldest children 18 and 21).

This holiday provided something for everyone, busy week safari followed by relaxing week on the coast. Perfect exceptional and memorable holiday." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari

"Very well thought out trip with a great balance of beach and safari. Having two days on the beach first is definitely recommended to relax after the wedding / flight.

For safari would definitely recommend Beho Beho - Selous is a great options as we saw lots of game but without the crowds (some days we didnt see another jeep at all).

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not sure if its possible, but think about using another carrier than Costal Air.

Thank you for organising such an amazing honeymoon for us." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zanzibar holiday

"Very enjoyable and memorable.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, just keep up the very good work you do." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Thanks to Ellie for making us a really nice trip that we would not forget." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"We had a wonderful honeymoon - Tanzania provided the perfect destination and we were very happy with our itinerary, which was a perfect mix of safari and beach.

All our accommodation was luxurious, but Sand Rivers stood out as exceptional." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Tanzania safari

"Given this type of holiday is nothing like our usual family holiday I think perhaps we needed more advice and more of a steer than was realised or acknowledged.

In particular, I think I was looking for something quite luxurious when spending £4k on a 10 day break. Luckily Fumba Beach Lodge met our expectations." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zanzibar holiday

"All the way through our trip we were grateful to individuals that gave so much to help make our vacation so spectacular. Certain people were left out in the previous feedback. I want to give special thanks and kuddos to our guides in Rwanda, Hussein, our driver guide, as well as the amazing gorilla trekking guides. Fernando was an amazing gorilla trekking quide and teacher who ensured that we had a special, memorable experience watching these amazing creatures but also learned at the same time. How did he manage to learn all of our names in such a short time, incredible! If you have any interest in gorilla trekking I would jump at the chance. It's an experience of a lifetime! And please employ the local people as porters as this helps support them in a positive way instead of poaching.

Don't put off going on safari. So many species are under pressure from humans and habitat loss to survive.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Thanks to Ellie for her patience with our labored and prolonged itinerary planning. And thanks to Claire when she filled in during Ellie's absence. We benefitted enormously from her knowledge and suggestions.

Thanks so much to all for another amazing and unforgettable trip to Africa that we will never forget!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 5 on a Tanzania safari